Floating Foam Whistling Toy

ABSTRACT

A floating foam whistling toy and method for use. A toy body composed of a resilient, lightweight closed-cell foam tube is provided. An internal resonator chamber, open at the top and bottom ends is provided within the toy body. A sound production apparatus is contained within the internal chamber. Air is blown into the open top end of the toy and through the sound production apparatus whereby a musical tone is produced. The specific tone produced can be varied by changing the size and shape of the internal resonator chamber. A fluid such as water can be incorporated into the resonator chamber to alter the effective size of the chamber, and thereby change the musical tone produced.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/626,332, entitled Floating Foam Whistling Toy and Method of Use, and filed Sep. 23, 2011.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to amusement devices such as whistles affixed to the end of flexible tubular elements, particularly where a fluid such as water is used to modulate the pitch or alter the tone in some fashion.

2. Description of Prior Art

Many different types of toy flutes and whistles have been designed for the sole purpose of producing sound. Different methods have been used to alter the pitch or tone of the notes produced. For ease and economy in manufacturing, these devices are typically composed of rigid materials such as plastic or metal. Other amusement devices are composed of flexible materials and show different methods for emitting sound. Still other devices are comprised of tubes made of foam for flotation and use in the water where they have a specialized end activated by the movement of water.

One common method for changing the pitch shown in the prior art is to incorporate strategically placed finger holes in the body of the toy. The player can block different combinations of finger holes to effectively alter the size or length of the interior chamber. Examples of these are typically inexpensive semblances of higher quality traditional woodwind instruments such as open holed flutes and recorders. The notes produced by these designs are restricted to the specific spacing of the finger holes—usually producing only whole tone steps in most toy instruments. Additionally, young children can have difficulty adequately plugging the holes with their fingers due to the size and strength of their hands.

Another method for changing the pitch is to put water or other liquid into an enclosed interior chamber so that the movement of the water alters the sound. Examples of these include water-filled birdsong type whistles where the player's airflow disturbs the water in addition to any movements made by the player. Prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 2,437,024 to Grant (1948) and U.S. Pat. No. 1,154,672 to Tikijian (1915). Another example of the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 255,250 to Bulger (1882) where the water level is altered by squeezing a flexible portion of the whistle by the player's hand. In each of these examples, the range of notes produced is limited because the enclosed chambers limit the amount of water in them from being changed while in use.

A third method used to change the pitch of the sound is to employ a hinged or sliding mechanism to open or close holes along it's length which alters the effective size of the interior chamber. Prior art examples of sliding mechanisms include U.S. Pat. No. 2,478,323 to Rohner (1949), U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,073 to Tremaine (1967) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,888 to Whelan (1985). Hinged mechanisms for plugging finger holes are well known since traditional woodwind instruments have used these types of mechanisms for hundreds of years. The disadvantage to using these types of mechanisms in toys is that they are either too expensive to manufacture for a toy, or otherwise cheaply made and prone to breakage.

Prior art which describes whistling amusement devices incorporating flexible tubes or other shapes includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,499 to Wild (1977) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,108 to Hyman (1978). Both are designed to be swung around in the air so that the airflow is disturbed by interior corrugations or forced through a reed to produce a sound. Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,824 to Hanson (1981) which describes a tone producing device made by squeezing a resilient chamber to force air through a reed. No mention is made of their ability to use water to modulate the sound. Neither example mentions being made from closed-cell foam which would allow the devices to float in the water.

Prior art which describes flexible foam amusement devices includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,393 to O'Rourke (2000), U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,347 to Goldmeier (2006) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,762 to Goldmeier (2008). These examples have specialized ends on a flexible foam tube to squirt water through. None of them have the ability to produce sound.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art in its safety, economy, musical novelty and multi-use capabilities. It achieves safety and economy over prior art by incorporating a hollow elongated cylinder made of inexpensive, soft, floating, flexible yet durable closed cell foam material including, but not limited to polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate. Pool noodles are an example of such a form. The invention achieves musical novelty by including a sound producing apparatus such as those found in fipple flutes within the cylindrical tube near one or both ends. Since it is open at both ends, it can be immersed in water to varying depths, or flexed to contain water within the tube, while blowing in the opposite end and producing a wide range of notes due to the changing water position. The invention achieves multi-use capability because it could be used for flotation while doubling as a musical water toy or whistle.

SUMMARY

The invention is an improved whistling toy. The toy is tubular in shape and composed of closed-cell foam which allows it to float in water. There is a sound producing device composed of a rigid plastic that contained within one or more interior ends of the tube. The sound producing device is aligned with a hole in the side of the tube. When air is blown through the end hole nearest the sound producing device, the oscillating airflow pattern between the interior and exterior of the foam body produces a harmonious sound. The sound produced is improved by the relative smoothness of the interior of the toy. The interior of the toy is made smooth by a manufacturing process such as chemical treatment, heat treatment, mechanical treatment, lining with a smooth material, coating with a smooth material, or adhering a lamination of smooth material. The sound produced by blowing through the toy can be altered by the presence of water within the interior of the tube.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a radial cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing a first method of changing the pitch using water.

FIG. 5 shows a partially fragmented perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing a second method of changing the pitch using water.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment including a single outer sleeve in a first position.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment including a single outer sleeve in a second position.

FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the second alternative embodiment including multiple outer sleeves.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the third alternative embodiment including a second sound producing device in the distal end.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10—tubular body -   15—resonator chamber -   17—laminate -   20—fipple assembly -   22—block -   24—windway -   26—ramp -   30—sleeve -   35—sleeve holes -   40—sleeve guide -   45—body holes -   50—short sleeves -   55—short sleeve holes -   60—intermediate hole

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present invention can be embodied in a number of different ways, it is primarily intended to be a floating amusement device with musical whistling capabilities. Accordingly, 4 exemplary embodiments of the present invention, along with methods for modulating the pitch of the whistle are illustrated as follows.

The description of these exemplary embodiments are merely used to convey some the best forms contemplated for the invention and should not be construed as a limitation of its possible forms.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first embodiment shows the present invention in its most simple form of an elongate tubular body 10 and partially enclosing a sound producing apparatus or fipple assembly 20 near one end. The tubular body 10 is preferably made from closed cell foam. The fipple assembly 20 is preferably molded from a more rigid plastic.

Referring to FIG. 2, a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment is shown revealing the interior of the tubular body 10 and the surface of the resonator tube 15. The fipple assembly 20 is shown contained within the tubular body 10 and aligned longitudinally with the resonator chamber 15. More details of the fipple assembly 20 are also shown including a block 22 which allows for a small amount of space within the resonator chamber 15 for air to pass from a player's mouth blowing from the proximal end of the tubular body 10 through the windway 24 where a resonant disruption of the air flow is formed by the fipple or ramp 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, showing a radial cross-section of FIG. 1 where the interior surface of the tubular body 10 is made to be smooth, thereby reducing disruption of the harmonic air flow. This smooth interior surface can be achieved by a number of different processes including heat, mechanical or chemical treatment; lining or coating with a smooth material; or adhering the surface to a smooth laminate 17.

Referring to FIG. 4, showing a method in which a player blows air into the end of the tubular body 10 nearest the fipple assembly 20, while immersing the distal end of the tubular body 10 in various depths of water. As the tubular body 10 is immersed in the water, the resultant size of the resonator chamber 15 is altered by the level of the water within the resonator chamber 15, making the pitch of the whistling sound go higher or lower.

Referring to FIG. 5, showing a method in which a player first bends the tubular body 10 along its length while scooping or pouring water into the distal end of the tubular body 10. The water will then be contained in the belly formed by the bend. As the player blows air into the end of the tubular body 10 nearest the fipple assembly 20, while simultaneously moving the distal end of the tubular body 10 up and down, the resultant size of the resonator chamber 15 is altered by the movement of the water within the resonator chamber 15, making the pitch of the whistling sound go higher or lower.

Referring to FIG. 6, the second embodiment is shown in a perspective view. The length of the tubular body 10 a is significantly shorter than the preferred embodiment to allow for additional pitch modulation through the use of an outer sleeve 30 and a plurality of sleeve holes 35. The player blows into the proximal end of tubular body 10 a, while selectively rotating sleeve 30 about the longitudinal axis, and adjacent to sleeve guide 40. Yet another method for modulating the pitch of the notes produced is to slide sleeve 30 along the longitudinal axis away from sleeve guide 40.

Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIG. 6, showing body holes 45 in the tubular body 10 a placed in a different pattern than the corresponding sleeve holes 35 so as to allow for different combinations of holes to be aligned and thereby altering the notes produced. As a player rotates sleeve 30 about the longitudinal axis, and abutting sleeve guide 40, different notes can be played. Sleeve holes 35 in sleeve 30 can thus be aligned with none, one, or more body holes 45 in varying patterns which produce distinct notes on a musical scale. The longitudinal alignment of one or more of the sleeve holes 35 with the underlying body holes 45 is assisted by the inclusion of sleeve guide 40.

Referring to FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, showing a partial longitudinal cross-section where there is no alignment of sleeve holes 35 with body holes 45 leaving all body holes 45 open. Alternatively, sleeve 30 can be slid along the longitudinal axis to offset and block all holes from aligning thereby allowing a player to modulate the pitch using either of the methods referred to in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. A similar blockage of the holes can be achieved by rotating sleeve 30 to an offset position.

Referring to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIGS. 6,7 and 8, showing a perspective view of the third embodiment, and where the singular sleeve 30 is replaced by a plurality of short sleeves 50. Each of the short sleeves 50 can be rotated individually around the longitudinal axis of tubular body 10 b. The rotation will place their corresponding short sleeve holes 55 in alignment with or blocking the underlying body holes 45.

Referring to FIG. 10 in conjunction with FIG. 1, showing a perspective longitudinal cross-section of the fourth embodiment where there is a second sound producing device or fipple assembly 20 a near the distal end of tubular body 10 c. Both sound producing fipple assemblies 20 are oriented in the same direction with the windway 24 and 24 a portion of the fipple assembly 20 and 20 a closer to the proximal end of tubular body 10 c. Water can be introduced via intermediate hole 60 into the interior of the resonator chamber 15 a. Then by blocking off intermediate hole 60 after water is introduced, a short whistling sound can be produced by quickly inverting the invention so that fipple assembly 20 a is at the bottom. As the water rushes toward fipple assembly 20 a, the remaining air trapped between the water and fipple assembly 20 a will be forced through the windway 24 a to make a whistling sound.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

It can be seen from the above description that the present invention provides musical novelty within an amusement device intended for water play. The advantages of using closed cell foam for the basis of the device gives the present invention flexibility to bend; flotation for fun, safety and ease of recovery in deep water; a spongy feel for safety among children; and inexpensive manufacturing costs. The device achieves all these aims while also providing an educational and musically functional component with ease of use for children of all ages. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are for exemplary purposes, and that other embodiments may also be conceived which use functionally equivalent components. All such variations are intended to be included within the scope defined by the claims. 

1. A whistling and floating toy comprising: a tubular body having a bottom end and an opposite top end; a bottom opening defined in said tubular body at said bottom end that leads to a resonator chamber within said tubular body; a top opening defined in said tubular body at said top end that leads to said resonator chamber within said tubular body; a first improvement wherein said tubular body includes a first sound producing apparatus defined within said resonator chamber at a point between said bottom end and said top end; and a second improvement wherein said tubular body is composed of closed cell foam to provide flotation and flexibility.
 2. The toy of claim 1 wherein said first sound producing apparatus contains means for directing airflow into an oscillating pattern and causing it to resonate harmoniously.
 3. The toy of claim 1 wherein a smooth surface on said resonator chamber is provided by a manufacturing process selected from a group consisting of chemical treatment, heat treatment, mechanical treatment, lining with a smooth material, coating with a smooth material, and adhering a lamination of smooth material.
 4. The toy of claim 3 wherein said smooth surface contains means to assist undisrupted sound vibrations within said resonator chamber.
 5. The toy of claim 1 wherein said first sound producing apparatus is comprised of a structure selected from a group consisting of a reed, a fipple, and a partial orifice obstruction.
 6. The toy of claim 1 further including a plurality of body holes which penetrate through the convex lateral side of said tubular body and into said resonator chamber.
 7. The toy of claim 6 further including a tubular sleeve adjoining the outer circumference of said tubular body; said tubular sleeve including a plurality of sleeve holes, said tubular sleeve contains means for sliding along the longitudinal axis of said tubular body, and rotating around the longitudinal axis of said tubular body; said sleeve holes arranged in patterns which provide means for alignment with different combinations of the underlying said body holes as said tubular sleeve is moved about said tubular body; and said tubular sleeve composed of materials selected from a group consisting of closed cell foam and plastic.
 8. The toy of claim 6 further including a series of tubular bands adjoining the convex lateral outer surface of said tubular body; the bands contain means for individually rotating around the outer surface of said tubular body; the bands including an orifice arranged in axial alignment with the underlying said body holes, with the bands containing means for rotating said orifice out of longitudinal alignment with said body holes; and the bands composed of materials selected from a group consisting of closed cell foam and plastic.
 9. The toy of claim 1 further including a second sound producing apparatus placed within said resonator chamber, at a point between said first sound producing apparatus and said bottom end of said tubular body;
 10. A method for producing sound comprising the steps of: providing an elongate, closed cell foam tube, including an internal chamber the full length of the tube, wherein said internal chamber is open at a top end, and a bottom end of the tube, and partially obstructed in between the ends by a fipple assembly; forcing air into said internal chamber and through said fipple assembly, wherein said fipple assembly contains means to direct airflow from said top end of said internal chamber, and through said fipple assembly, thereby causing a harmonic vibration in the airflow within said internal chamber nearest said bottom end; and providing a smooth laminate material on the surface of said internal chamber, said smooth laminate contains means to facilitate undisrupted harmonic vibrations of airflow;
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said bottom end is selectively immersed in water to varying levels, resulting in an alteration in the effective size of said internal chamber.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein a fluid such as water is placed within said internal chamber while the foam tube is bent into a shape having means for retaining said fluid within said internal chamber; and rocking said fluid back and forth within said internal chamber to alter the effective volume of said internal chamber between said fipple assembly and said fluid. 